The Free Agent that the Raiders Cannot Afford to Lose

The Las Vegas Raiders have several pressing decisions this offseason. Few are more pressing than figuring out which pending free agent is the most important.

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders will be in on most of the top free agents at positions of need this offseason. However, they must figure out what to do with the pending free agents currently on their roster. Below is the one free agent the Raiders cannot afford to lose, but probably will.

The One Las Vegas cannot Afford to Lose

The Raiders' roster has plenty of needs, and not just surface level ones. Las Vegas' roster is one of the worst in the National Football League. No position is that truer for the Raiders than at the cornerback position. The Raiders' best corner in 2025 was veteran Eric Stokes, will be a free agent.

Stokes is set to become a free agent, and Las Vegas has few cornerbacks other than Stokes and Darien Porter that they can truly depend on moving forward. Stokes was by far the team's most dependable corner and the Raiders could very well be outbid for his services.

Feb 10, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek at press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Earlier this offseason, Raiders general manager John Spytek took an honest reflection inward on one aspect of last offseason, his first as a general manager, that he wishes he could do over. Las Vegas let several talented players leave in free agency last offseason, who had productive seasons.

As the Raiders embark on what will be a critical offseason, that will be one of Spytek's biggest challenges. Las Vegas needs Spytek to connect on a higher percentage of moves this offseason than last season. Although it is worth noting that 2025 had more to do with coaching than anything.

Nov 17, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) rushes with the ball against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

“We don't want to let good players leave our building. That's happened around here. I was in charge last year when a couple good players left the building. And it's one of the things I learned, you got to keep our good players here,” Spytek said. 

“And we were talking about it this morning. You look around the league there's some former Raiders that are playing good football somewhere. And I got to do a better job in that world."

Dec 21, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) tackles Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Spytek's task of choosing which pending free agents to keep and which ones to let go should be easier than last offseason, as he has a better feel for the team. However, it will still be challenging, as the Raiders have enough cap space and draft picks to avoid making any moves out of desperation.

Las Vegas has 10 draft picks, and could potentially add more closer to the draft. They have upwards of $100 million to spend in free agency. Like their draft pics, their cap space can increase as well, depending on how things shake out elsewhere on the roster. Get ready for a big Raiders' offseason.

Feb 10, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek at press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Have every Raiders story straight to your email with the latest news.  Our newsletter is completely FREE. We will not spam you or sell your information.  SIGN UP HERE NOW.

Follow us on: X/Twitter @HondoCarpenter, @EZTrez_SI ,and IG @HondoSr . We also invite you to visit our Facebook page, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.